Will be taking a RCCL cruise to Scandanavia in August. One port we will be visiting is Stockholm. Besides visiting the Vasa we have been considering the Skansen open-air museum. Has anyone visited this and if so what were your impressions? Thanks for any tips or advice you are able to provide

I would definately make the Skansen a priority for your time in Stockholm. The natural setting is wonderful and you can learn a good deal about the Swedish/Scandinavian culture while there. The traditional Swedish structures are fabulous. I visited the 'museum' in October and it was very quiet - hardly anyone was there. This was nice in its only way, but I imagine that in August the museum will have more to offer; probably people dressed in native attire and possible doing traditional activities. Do go there and enjoy Stockholm. It is a devine city - particularly when the sun is out!

My wife and I were there two summers ago and highly recommend time at Skansen. From the Vasa, it's only a short walk, less than a mile, I would estimate. Or you can take a tram. If you are pressed for time and will also be going to Oslo, the Norwegian have built a similar village of old homes, churches, etc., there. Skansen is so large that, even when we were there in early August, we did not feel that we were crowded. Same with the village in Oslo. You are given a map when you enter and simply follow the well-marked pathways. I hope your weather was as warm and sunny as ours was that day. Having seen both, we preferred the Oslo village. In Stockholm, if you can, take a day-trip boat up Lake Malaren (catch it at the city hall dock) to Drottningholm Palace and back. Tour the 17th century palace and gardens. Marvelous.

We liked both the Vasa and the Skansen museum. Allow enough time to absorb the magnitude of the Vasa ship! Skansen is an outdoor museum and you will be doing some walking--it was great. <BR> <BR>Don't miss Old Town of Stockholm. Unique, medieval streets. We had a great time in Stockholm.

<BR>Skansen is well worth seeing. I saw in many years ago and still recall it vividly. It's one of the best open air museums in Europe. <BR>And the Wasa is just fabulous! Simply took my breath away seeing this and reading the whole story about it. It is definately one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen in my life anywhere. Be sure you have enough time to see the whole ship, the film and the museum there so the full impact of what you are seeing will be known to you.

<BR>I was there last August..oh it is so fun! All the Sweden's history is gathered in building from all parts of the country. Lots of crafts, animals, people enjoying the outside. It is on the side of a hill so near the top there is a wide view of Stockholm that is breath-taking..and don't forget to see the little igglekot's--adorable little creatures! Enjoy it is superb! <BR>There is much to do in Stockholm, travel the archapeliago on a viking ship, walk through Gamla Stan, listen to all the street musicians, the water festival is in August, the medieval fesitval in Gotland, it is magnificient!